I’m not sure if you have taken notice of the fact that I have not posted a new Guest in quite some time. Although I loved the interview experience and being able to meet local businesses and makers, I found that the process of transcribing the interviews was just too time consuming for the payoff. BUT, I still believe very strongly in the Guests that I have featured in the past and would like to continue to support them through my annual Holiday Gift Guide.
We all have a million and one people on our holiday shopping lists. I have compiled some fantastic gift ideas for everyone on your list to help make this season’s shopping easier for you. From hostess gifts for holiday parties, to that impossible person to buy for, you’re sure to find something right here on the………………drumroll please……….. 2nd Annual Jennifer the Beholder’s Holiday Gift Guide! (cue confetti cannon)
Happy shopping everyone!
ME! – I’m going to do a shameless plug of my new children’s book Are You a Baby Reindeer? This makes a great gift for any little on your list. Order yours at Amazon.com.
White & Red Works – Custom Furniture Maker – Jonathan has some beautiful custom wood cutting boards and charcuterie boards this year. A fantastic gift for a couple or a SUPER hostess gift. – www.whiteandredworks.com
Ocelot Brewing Co – Ocelot sells super cool 32 oz and 64 oz growlers. Drop by the brewery, order a flight and select your favorite beer to purchase to fill the growler. Makes a great gift for the craft beer lover on your list or a killer hostess gift. They also carry an inventory of brewery merch. Also a fun gift idea. Visit Ocelot’s brewery to purchase at 23600 Overland Dr, #180, Dulles, VA 20166. (Obviously, must be 21 years or older.)
Flight of Fancy LLC – Promise yourself a renovated furniture piece for 2019. An awesome gift to give to your home. Visit their facebook page for inspiration and contact information. https://www.facebook.com/flightoffancyx2/
The Vintage Key – Super special handmade jewelry pieces. Excellent gifts for any of the ladies in your life and even the fellas. There are several choices of really cool cufflinks for the guys. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageKeyByKama?ref=hdr_shop_menu
Shop Swatch Box – For the knitter or crafter on your list. Outstanding products shipped directly to you. She often has boxes for kids too! Choose from “knitting” themed boxes (pictured) or “stitch” themed boxes. Great as a one time gift, or a subscription with delivery throughout the year. https://shopswatchbox.com/
Elizabeth Shaffner Design – From stocking stuffers to a grand gift, Elizabeth offers her new jewelry line and her awesome magnets for stocking stuffers, to full art pieces for a very special someone. Access her wares at https://elizabethshaffner.wixsite.com/esdesign
Pure Love Macaron – Custom gift boxes containing this very special confection makes an outstanding hostess gift or teacher gift. Looking for something just a little bit more? Work with Kim to custom curate a gift box of macarons carefully paired with other goodies. Or add a sophisticated splash to any party with a macaron tower. Macarons are made with organic eggs, sugar and butter. Limited time seasonal flavors like Peppermint Candy Cane, Pistachio, and a play on the popular Ferrero Rocher, of hazelnut and chocolate, are on the menu. https://www.facebook.com/purelovemacs/
Sweet Pea Studios – Congratulations to Sweet Pea Studios for 10 years in business! To commemorate this amazing milestone, Sweet Pea will be offering Gift Certificates this holiday season. For every $250 gift certificate purchased, Sweet Pea will gift you an extra $100. Click the following link for details. https://www.sweetpeastudiosva.com/northern-va-best-photographer-2018-annual-thankful-sale/?fbclid=IwAR3VmvSbte1ChLBDXoWX0AXGNmuJjpBL4-2EWcY9uJ2ePepCjN4deLZtxbs
T’Kila Latin Kitchen and Bar – Gift cards are available for dining at this great neighborhood restaurant. An excellent gift for a family, teachers and coaches or the mailman! Drop by the restaurant to purchase: 42010 Village Center Plaza #170, Aldie, VA 20105
Beyond the Barn Doors – Although they don’t have an online store, you can shop their Holiday Show November 29 – December 2 at Fairfax Corner this year in collaboration with Undeniable Boutique! Find fantastic home accessories. Great gifts for the home interiors enthusiast and teachers. You’re also sure to find a terrific house warming gift for anyone celebrating their first Christmas in a new home. For more details go to Beyond the Barn Doors on Facebook.
BT Graphics’ Christmas book, The Other Side of Christmas – ‘AHA’ Christmas book you’ll FLIP OVER!
This sweet book was awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval, and nine other awards. For a sneak peek, check out this 15 second video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmbRp4GZ9h0&feature=youtu.be
If you are intrigued by what you see, click the link below for more details on the book and other flip over products: https://animotionlogos.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-other-side-of-christmas-childrens-book
Acupuncture – As a gift? Why not!?! Give the gift of healing and relaxation. Want to feel like you’ve just had a glass of wine without consuming the calories, then look no further. Contact Justin at vahealthyliving@gmail.com to schedule your appointment. It’s an amazing way to reduce stress during the holiday rush.
Kathy G Designs – Spectacular holiday home décor. Excellent gifts for anyone who loves to add holiday cheer to their home. Also fantastic options for teacher gifts! Visit and follow her FB page for daily deals and giveaways throughout the holiday season. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1994359934113298/
Stylist Kristal Eastman – Have someone on your list who would love a fresh new do in the new year? Visit LifeTime Fitness at 5900 Trinity Pkwy, Centreville, VA 20120 to purchase a gift card in the Spa.
Catoctin Creek Distillery – Visit the distillery at 120 W Main St, Purcellville, VA 20132 to sample and purchase a super fine bottle of spirits made right here in Virginia. Or, visit their website at www.catoctincreekdistilling.com to see other locations where you can buy their outstanding whisky. Makes a perfect gift for the cocktail lover on your list. Also makes a superb hostess gift. Must be 21 or older.
Northern Virginia Style & Living Magazine – For anyone on your list who loves Northern VA and it’s fantastic culture, dining and entertainment. Go to www.nvslmag.com and order a subscription!
Jessica Monte Photography – One hour one-on-one field photography lessons for $99. Or purchase a gift certificate during the holidays that can be used for headshots, family portraits, senior portraits, etc. Contact Jessica at: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaMontePhotography/
Texas Trey’s Chips and Salsa – Don’t go to a holiday party empty handed. And if you’re going to take chips and salsa, why not take the best chips and salsa. You can purchase these tasty treats at Roots 657 located at 42301 Spinks Ferry Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176
Wellness 1st – Karie is accepting new clients at her new office! Anyone mentioning Jennifer The Beholder blog will get one FREE 30 min consult session at her new office. This special deal is good thru 1/31/19. Just mention Jennifer the Beholder to receive your free consultation. Give the gift of health and wellness to someone you love or to YOURSELF!
Wellness first offers:
- Food Intolerance Testing – an easy blood spot test any age can do!
- The FIT Test – a patented, multi-pathway delayed food sensitivity test using new technology to measure both IgG and Immune Complexes; the most common food-related pathways in the body. This test measures sensitivities to up to 132 different foods and additives spanning all major food groups.
- Genomic Testing – The most comprehensive nutrigenomics test available to validate your specific nutritional supplement needs.
Check out Wellness 1st Cyber Monday deals and consider a wellness reset with a comprehensive program designed just for you. 2019 Goals!!
Contact Karie at: https://www.facebook.com/wellness1stnutrition/
Full Out Fitness – Give yourself the gift of fun and fitness with a SMASH UP class! A unique blend of cardio kickboxing and dance fitness. And while you’re at it, take a friend! Beat the holiday stress by sweating it out at Full Out Fitness. Newly located inside: Club Ed in Sterling, Va.
21680 Ridgetop Circle St 100 Sterling, Va
NEW SCHEDULE!!
Tuesday 7:00-8:15pm SMASH UP
Thursday 7:00-8:15pm SMASH UP
Sunday- 11- Noon SMASH UP
$5 a class. No registration necessary.
Monthly unlimited memberships for $30.
Kira Luca – Original artwork is a very special gift and now you can get it at reasonable prices. Visit the shop at https://www.kiraluca.com/shop/ to pick out something spectacular that will wow anyone on your list.
Roots 657 – Need a respite from your holiday shopping at the Outlets? Visit Roots 657 at 42301 Spinks Ferry Rd, Leesburg, VA, for a delicious bite. While there, peruse the market for all kinds of goodies just perfect to bring to a party, or create your own soiree. Need a special dessert too? Pick up a house made dessert to round out your trip. This might just be one stop shopping. Visit www.roots657.com to preorder Thanksgiving goodies or arrange for your holiday party catering.
Inn at Westwood – Give the gift of a get away. Contact the innkeepers to purchase a weekend package or gift card for a great mini vacation in the scenic Orange, VA. You’re welcome! 😉 http://innatwestwoodfarm.com/
Lou Lou Boutique / Zest Clothing & Co. – This is a no brainer. Spectacular clothing and accessories for all of the ladies on your list. Visit https://loulouboutiques.com/ and https://www.zestclothingandco.com/ for shop locations or to shop online. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a special outfit for your busy holiday social scene. My personal favorite place to shop for party dresses.
Creme de la Creme – And for the lover of European home decor, pay a visit to one of the Creme de la Creme shops for something unique and lovely. Great pieces for anyone on your list or fantastic hostess gift ideas. Visit http://www.shopcremedelacreme.com/ for shop locations.
Énergie Goods – Clothing and workout gear – Loads of opportunities to shop and save with Énergie!
Here are the holiday deals for Énergie Goods:
- Anyone who purchases during November will receive a $30 off purchase of $100 or more coupon to be used online only in December
- Every Friday there will be a featured outfit at a discounted rate with VERY limited quantities. November – December
- Black Friday 11/23- All studio locations @pulseinferno @studiobepilates @dancingmindva will have a 30% off sale for anyone who takes a class that day.
- Cyber Monday– Surprise details! Hop online and visit http://energiegoods.com/.
DIY Scent Studio – Located at 4007 University Drive in Fairfax, Va, this sweet studio allows you to make custom bottles of perfume. Concoct a scent that draws to mind a recent trip, or wonderful memory, or create something truly new and unique. Experts are on staff to assist and guide you. Gift cards are available. Or fill one of the long days of the winter break from school with your friends. It’s a sweet smelling way to spend time together. Visit http://www.diyscentstudio.com/ to make reservation or inquiries.
Candy Drawer Confectionary – Well when isn’t candy a good gift? Get sweet treats for everyone on your list. Great stocking stuffers, hostess and teacher gifts! Peruse their website for all of their to-die-for confections. (Pssst. My personal favorites are the Chocolate covered Roasted Sugar Marshmallows. Just sayin’.) https://www.candydrawerconfectionary.com/
Maison Warehouse – Home and holiday decor – Join Maison’s mailing list for event details and specials. This shop has gobs of holiday gift options for the home interior lover. Check out the gorgeous holiday tree displays in the shop at 21558 Stonetree Ct, Sterling, VA 20166
In-Store Holiday Event: November 15 – 18 & November 24 – 25 – Chicks Picks by Hillary
Rhythm and Arts Center – Bring a friend to a free performance of The Nutcracker! Sunday, December 9th at 3 pm at South Lakes High School: 11400 South Lakes Dr, Reston , VA 20191
Or how about the gift of dance lessons!!?? Go to www.rhythmandartscenter.com for details. First trial class is free!
Also, see the Rhythm and Arts Center Dance Company perform in the Reston Town Center Winter Wonderland Parade on Friday, November 23.
Cancer is Ruff – The Holidays can be a rough time of the year for some people, particularly those battling cancer. Consider this sweet picture book that helps to lighten the mood with endearing pictures of dogs exhibiting the difficult symptoms of cancer treatment. Written by cancer survivor, Kathy Kupka, this book delivers light hearted acknowledgement of the fight. Purchase your copy on www.cancerisruff.com.
Kathy Kupka Photography – Want a sweet holiday photo of your pup? Kathy Kupka is offering photo sessions until November 24. Book yours today. For more information visit www.kathykupka.com.
River-Sea Chocolates – The most delicious single origin chocolate! Made with love right here in Northern Virginia. These spectacular chocolate bars make excellent stocking stuffers or purchase a tasting collection for a terrific hostess gift. I bought a bunch of bars to give as teacher gifts this year! As a special holiday offering, River-Sea is putting together two bar present bundles. These bars are something really special that you can taste in the very first bite. Purchase yours at https://www.riverseachocolates.com/
Linda Hendrickson – Want a super special gift for someone on your gift giving list? Consider a gorgeous piece of art. Contact Linda at https://www.facebook.com/LindaHendrickson.Artist/
Java Jen’s Coffee Roasters LLC – Did someone say single origin coffee?! Coffee is an amazingly versatile gift. Great as a stocking stuffer, a hostess gift, teacher or coach gifts, the list goes on. Give bags of beans or grounds, your pick. And while you’re out shopping in Loudoun County, VA, keep your eyes peeled for their coffee truck and grab yourself a fabulously warm cup to stay off the chill. Contact Java Jen’s at https://www.facebook.com/JavaJensCoffeeRoasters/
Voilà – Get help with your holiday decor or arrange to spruce up your home after you’ve packed away your holiday decorations. You choose, but don’t pass up this great deal! As a holiday promotion, Voilà is offering 20% off your first booking up to 5 hours. (Standard fee is $75/hr). Contact Jodi at https://www.facebook.com/voilastyling/ to set up your session.
I hope that you have found this guide to be helpful. Please be sure to drop a line in the comments when you find that perfect gift at one of my Guest locations or online stores. Enjoy your shopping experience during the most festive time of the year. And a little piece of advice….wrap as you go. You’ll thank me later. 😉